Thermally Insulating Beverage Container Sleeve Which Doubles as a Throwable Toy

ABSTRACT

A beverage container sleeve ( 201 ) is provided which comprises a hollow body ( 209 ) having a bulbous exterior surface ( 211 ). The body has an interior compartment ( 203 ) adapted to receive a beverage container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/391,228 filed Oct. 8, 2010, having the same inventor and the same title, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to beverage container sleeves, and more particularly to thermally insulating beverage container sleeves that are designed to double as a throwable toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various beverage container sleeves are currently known in the art. Examples include the beverage container sleeve 101 shown in FIG. 4, which is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,543 (Beuke), and the beverage container sleeve 121 shown in FIG. 5, which is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,987 (Jones). Typically, these devices are designed to fit around the outside of a can, bottle, or other beverage container, and serve to thermally insulate the beverage container from the external environment and the hands of the user. In some cases, these beverage container sleeves may also be designed to provide a better grip on the beverage container. This later feature is especially desirable when the beverage container sleeve is used in conjunction with chilled beverages, since such beverages frequently induce condensation on the exterior surfaces of the container they are disposed in, thus rendering them slippery.

Over time, some beverage container sleeves have been produced which double as toys. One example is depicted in FIGS. 1-3, which is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,469 (Gleason et al.) (see FIGS. 1-3). The beverage container sleeve 141 which is depicted therein is an annular beverage container sleeve designed to fit around the outside of a canned beverage 143. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 3, the beverage container sleeve 141 may be equipped with a series of weights 145. The beverage container sleeve 141 is said to double as a lightweight toy which may be thrown in the manner of a football.

Various game balls have also been developed in the prior art, including a number of modifications to the ubiquitous football. These include the ball shown in FIGS. 6-8, which is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,466 (McDonald et al.). As seen therein, this ball 161 is essentially a football with an air passage 163 extending through the center thereof

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a beverage container sleeve is provided which comprises a hollow body having a bulbous exterior surface. The beverage container sleeve is equipped with an interior compartment which is adapted to receive a beverage container.

In another aspect, a beverage container sleeve is provided which comprises a body fabricated from a foamed polymeric material, such as a foamed plastic or rubber. The body has a first end with a first, essentially circular opening therein, and a second end with a second, essentially circular opening therein. The diameter of the second opening is smaller than the diameter of the first opening. The maximum thickness of said body, as measured along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said body, is t_(1max) for a first half of said body and t_(2max) for a second half of said body, wherein t_(2max)>t_(1max).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 are illustrations of a first embodiment of a prior art thermally insulating beverage container sleeve.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a second embodiment of a prior art thermally insulating beverage container sleeve; this embodiment is a variation of the thermally insulating beverage container sleeve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a third embodiment of a prior art thermally insulating beverage container sleeve.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of a prior art thermally insulating beverage container sleeve.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a prior art game ball having a hollow center.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along LINE 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along LINE 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a thermally insulating beverage container sleeve made in accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the thermally insulating beverage container sleeve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the thermally insulating beverage container sleeve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the thermally insulating beverage container sleeve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the dimensions of a preferred embodiment of the thermally insulating beverage container sleeve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the dimensions of a preferred embodiment of the thermally insulating beverage container sleeve of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the beverage container sleeves and articles described above may serve their intended purpose, a need exists in the art for further improvements in these devices. For example, the devices of FIGS. 4-5 are not designed to function as throwable toys. Such a feature would add a desirable novelty to these beverage container sleeves, especially since the use of beverage container sleeves is common among fans at sporting events.

The devices of FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 6-8 are ostensibly designed to function as throwable toys, but have other infirmities. For example, the devices of FIGS. 6-8 are not adapted to function as beverage container sleeves, and hence are only suitable for use as throwable toys. The devices of FIGS. 1-2, while ostensibly throwable, do not appear to have sufficient heft, weight distribution, shape and aerodynamic design to reproduce the sensation, trajectory and distance achievable with, for example, a foam rubber football of comparable size.

The device of FIG. 3 incorporates weights in an attempt to increase its heft. However, while the use of such weights may increase the heft of the beverage container sleeve and may also increase the distance it may be thrown, the weight distribution and aerodynamic design of the beverage container sleeve still do not reproduce the sensation, trajectory and distance achievable with, for example, a foam rubber football of similar size. Moreover, the incorporation of weights introduces undesirable expense and complications into the manufacturing process for the device.

It has now been found that the foregoing needs may be addressed with the devices and methodologies disclosed herein. In particular, a beverage container sleeve is provided herein which doubles as a throwable toy. The beverage container sleeve preferably comprises a foamed polymeric material, such as a foamed plastic or rubber, and is equipped with a central compartment adapted to receive a can, bottle or other common type of beverage container. The beverage container sleeve also preferably has a resilient body which fits snugly about the exterior of a beverage container, and thermally insulates it from the external environment and from the hands of the user. The beverage container sleeve preferably has a suitable heft, weight distribution, shape and aerodynamic design to reproduce the sensation, trajectory and distance achievable by the user in throwing, for example, a foam rubber football of similar size.

FIGS. 9-14 depict a first particular, non-limiting embodiment of a beverage container sleeve 201 made in accordance with the teachings herein. FIGS. 9-12 depict the beverage container sleeve 201 from various perspectives, while the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 13-14 provide preferred dimensions for the various features of the beverage container sleeve 201.

In a preferred embodiment, the beverage container sleeve 201 has an interior compartment 203 which is adapted to receive a beverage container. The interior compartment 203 is preferably in the form of an inner surface essentially defined by a right cylinder. However, various embodiments are possible in which the interior compartment 203 has a variety of other shapes. Thus, for example, the interior compartment 203 may have a cross-sectional shape which, at various points along its longitudinal axis, is circular, elliptical, polygonal (including, but not limited to, rectangular or hexagonal) or irregular.

The compartment 203 has first 205 and second 207 opposing openings which may have any of the aforementioned cross-sectional shapes, but which are preferably circular. In the preferred embodiment, the compartment 203 is cylindrical in shape, the first 205 opening has essentially the same diameter as the cylinder, and the second opening 207 has a somewhat smaller diameter than the cylinder. This configuration allows a beverage container to be readily inserted into one end of the beverage container sleeve 201, while preventing the beverage container from sliding out of the opposing end of the beverage container sleeve 201.

The first 205 and second 207 openings also permit air to flow through the beverage container sleeve 201, preferably in the direction from the second opening 207 to the first opening 205. Preferably, the wall 209 of the beverage container sleeve 201 has a profile, in a cross-section taken along the longitudinal axis of the beverage container sleeve 201, which resembles the profile of the wing of an aircraft. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this geometry is believed to significantly aid in the aerodynamic efficiency or stability of the beverage container sleeve 201 when it is thrown. Beverage container sleeves 201 may be made with this design which exhibit good “throwability”, which maintain a tight spiral, and which can be thrown a significant distance with little effort.

The external surface 211 of the beverage container sleeve 201 is preferably generally bulbous in shape, and is convex in the vicinity of the second opening 207. Consequently, the wall 209 of the beverage container sleeve 201 is thicker in this region. Since the density of the material used to construct the beverage container sleeve 201 is preferably essentially uniform across the length and width of the beverage container sleeve 201, in the preferred embodiment, this construction results in the weight of the beverage container sleeve 201 being asymmetrically disposed along the longitudinal axis of the device, but symmetrically disposed in any plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Consequently, this construction results in the center of gravity of the sleeve being closer to the second opening 207 than the first opening 205. Combined with the general shape of the beverage container sleeve 201, this design imparts to the beverage container sleeve 201 a heft, weight distribution, shape and aerodynamic design which reproduces the sensation, trajectory and distance achievable by the user in throwing, for example, a foam rubber football of similar size. The similarity in feel of the sleeve to that of a football may be enhanced by providing the beverage container sleeve 201 with a textured external surface 211 and faux lacing 213 which is designed to further simulate the feel of a football.

Beverage container sleeves may be made in accordance with the teachings herein which have various dimensions. Preferably, however, the compartment 203 of the beverage container sleeve has an interior surface comprising first and second regions, wherein the interior surface in said first region is essentially described by a first right cylinder, wherein the interior surface in the second region is essentially described by a second right cylinder, and wherein the first right cylinder has a larger diameter than said second right cylinder. Preferably, the first right cylinder has a height within the range of about 2 to about 6 inches, more preferably, the first right cylinder has a height within the range of about 3 to about 5 inches, and most preferably, the first right cylinder has a height within the range of about 3.5 to about 4.5 inches. Preferably, the second right cylinder has a height within the range of about 0.25 to about 1.25 inches, more preferably, the second right cylinder has a height within the range of about 0.5 to about 1 inches, and most preferably, the second right cylinder has a height within the range of about 0.6 to about 0.9 inches.

As previously noted, the wall 209 of the beverage container sleeve 201 is preferably thicker in the vicinity of the second opening 207 than in the vicinity of the first opening 205. Preferably, the maximum thickness of the wall 209, as measured along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beverage container sleeve 201, is t_(1max) for a first half of the wall 209 and t_(2max) for a second half of the wall 209, wherein t_(2max)>t_(1max). The difference

d _(max) =t _(2max) −t _(1max)  (EQUATION 1)

is preferably within the range of about 0.15 to about 0.5 inches, is more preferably within the range of about 0.2 to about 0.4 inches, and is most preferably within the range of about 0.25 to about 0.37 inches. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, the compartment 203 of the beverage container sleeve 201 has a wall 209 with an interior surface comprising first and second regions, wherein the interior surface in the first region is essentially described by a first right cylinder, and wherein t_(1max) and t_(2max) occur in the first region.

Various materials may be utilized in the construction of the beverage container sleeves described herein. Preferably, the core of the beverage container sleeve comprises a foamed or cellular plastic or rubber. A surface layer may be laminated, applied, or otherwise affixed to the core to impart a desirable feel, texture or color to the beverage container sleeves. Such a surface layer may comprise, for example, a laminated sheet of an elastomeric material such as neoprene, or may be a paint or coating.

Moreover, while the preferred embodiment of the beverage container sleeve disclosed herein is designed to have the feel of a football, other embodiments are also possible which simulate other objects such as, for example, basketballs or baseballs. Such other embodiments may be provided with designs suitable to impart a look and feel appropriate for the objects that are intended to emulate.

Preferably, a suitable heft is imparted to the beverage container sleeve by virtue of its shape and dimensions as described above. However, in some embodiments, fillers and other materials may be utilized to increase the weight of the beverage container sleeve in some areas if desired. Such fillers may include, for example, sand, alumina, silica, or various metal or metal oxide powders or particulate fillers. Moreover, various fillers and pigments may be blended or compounded with the materials utilized in the construction of the beverage sleeve or its components.

The above description of the present invention is illustrative, and is not intended to be limiting. It will thus be appreciated that various additions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be construed in reference to the appended claims. 

1. A beverage container sleeve, comprising: a hollow body having a bulbous exterior surface and having an interior compartment adapted to receive a beverage container.
 2. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, in combination with a beverage container; wherein said body has an opening which is complimentary in shape to at least a portion of the exterior surface of said beverage container, and wherein said beverage container is disposed within said opening. 3-5. (canceled)
 6. The combination of claim 4, wherein said beverage container is a can or bottle having an exterior surface, and wherein a portion of said exterior surface is cylindrical.
 7. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein said body comprises a foamed polymeric material. 8-9. (canceled)
 10. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein said body has a first opening on a first end thereof, and wherein said first opening is essentially circular,. wherein said body has a second opening on a second end thereof, wherein said second opening is essentially circular, and wherein said first and second ends are opposing ends of said body. 11-14. (canceled)
 15. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein said exterior surface has lacing disposed on a portion thereof.
 16. The beverage container sleeve of claim 15, wherein said lacing is disposed on one side of a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said body and which bisects the length of said body.
 17. The beverage container sleeve of claim 15, wherein said body has first and second opposing openings, and wherein said lacing is disposed closer to said second opening than said first opening.
 18. The beverage container sleeve of claim 17, wherein said first opening has a larger diameter than said second opening.
 19. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein said body has an interior surface which is essentially described by a right cylinder.
 20. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein said body has an interior surface comprising first and second regions, and wherein said interior surface in said first region is essentially described by a first right cylinder, wherein said interior surface in said second region is essentially described by a second right cylinder, and wherein said first right cylinder has a larger diameter than said second right cylinder.
 21. (canceled)
 22. The beverage container of claim 20, wherein said first right cylinder has a height of about 2 to about 6 inches. 23-24. (canceled)
 25. The beverage container of claim 21, wherein said second right cylinder has a height of about 0.25 to about 1.25 inches. 26-27. (canceled)
 28. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein said body is essentially annular in any cross-sectional plane taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
 29. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein said body has first and second opposing openings, and wherein said body is thicker, in any cross-sectional plane taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, in a first region adjacent to said first opening than in a second region adjacent to said second opening.
 30. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness of said body, as measured along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said body, is t_(1max) for a first half of said body and t_(2max) for a second half of said body, and wherein t_(2max) >t_(1max).
 31. The beverage container sleeve of claim 30, wherein the difference d _(max) =t _(2max) −t _(1max) is within the range of about 0.15 to about 0.5 inches. 32-33. (canceled)
 34. The beverage container sleeve of claim 31, wherein said body has an interior surface comprising first and second regions, wherein said interior surface in said first region is essentially described by a first right cylinder, and wherein t_(1max) and t_(2max) occur in the first region.
 35. The beverage container sleeve of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of said body is resilient.
 36. A beverage container sleeve, comprising: a body comprising a foamed polymeric material, said body having a first end with a first, essentially circular opening therein and a second end with a second, essentially circular opening therein, wherein the diameter of the second opening is smaller than the diameter of the first opening, wherein the maximum thickness of said body, as measured along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said body, is t_(1max) for a first half of said body and t_(2max) for a second half of said body, and wherein t_(2max)>t_(1max). 